Top: Moses Ndlovu (Cattery Assistant)
From left to right: Erina Taruwedzera (Cattery Assistant), Charmaine Rochat (Founder of Friends of Ferals) and Sarudzai Mukaro (Head Caregiver)
Written by (and photographs supplied by) Tyla Theophilus Nair – Director, Friends of Ferals
Nurturing Centurion's Feral Cats: The Friends of Ferals Story...
Friends of Ferals, established in January 2018, was born from a lifetime of love and adoration for the grace, independence, and heart-capturing nature of cats... For over 25 years, Charmaine Rochat envisioned creating a haven for these animals. The name 'Friends of Ferals' was chosen because of the dire circumstances faced by most feral and free-roaming cats. These cats often live short, miserable lives, scavenging for food and suffering from fatal viruses, other illnesses, injuries, or violence. This plight, so close to our hearts, inspired our mission.
Situated in the tranquil hills of Hennops River on the outskirts of Centurion, Friends of Ferals is a pro-life, non-profit organisation dedicated to addressing the challenges faced by feral cats in and around Centurion, South Africa. These areas include housing complexes, business parks, office complexes, and industrial zones. The issue of feral cat overpopulation is critical, with the numbers reaching an all-time high. It is a stark reality that one unsterilised female cat and her offspring can result in up to 60,000 kittens over five years. This crisis is largely due to society's failure to sterilise pet cats, making it a societal responsibility to address.
Our mission and impact
Friends of Ferals is more than just an organisation; it is a community of individuals dedicated to the SAFER initiative, aiming to reduce the suffering of cats in our community and improve their quality of life. The SAFER initiative comprises:
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Sterilisation through Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR)
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Raising Awareness about the plight of ferals
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Initiating Feeding Programmes for sterilised colonies
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Educating the public and youth about the overpopulation of cats due to the failure to sterilise pet cats
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Rehoming, Rehabilitation, and Providing Refuge for abandoned, ill, or injured cats, as well as kittens from feral colonies
We are a registered Non-Profit Organisation (NPO), demonstrating our commitment to transparency, accountability, and ethical practices. Additionally, we are actively pursuing Public Benefit Organisation (PBO) status to further expand our impact.
Since our inception, Friends of Ferals has made significant strides in its mission:
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Regular Feeding Programmes: We feed 160 feral cats across various areas, including Hennops River, Irene Dairy Farm, Centurion Mall, and Rooihuiskraal Shopping Centre.
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Sterilisation Efforts: We have sterilised 1,417 cats, 57% of which were from feral colonies.
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Rehabilitation and Adoption: We have rehabilitated 443 cats through shelter intake and adoption, achieving 292 adoptions and taking 151 cats into our shelter.
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Community Service and Education: We educate pupils from surrounding schools about the importance of caring for feral cats through our community service programmes.
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Awareness Campaigns: We raise awareness about the role of cats as "working cats" and engage with individuals and businesses to support our cause.
Our primary goal remains to alleviate the suffering of cats in our community and to foster a compassionate environment for their care and well-being.
Present challenges and achievements
Our once-small shelter has grown each year to accommodate nearly 151 vulnerable cats. We have become the last-chance rescue for cats with various special needs. This expansion requires our staff to be extensively trained in recognising the behaviour of healthy versus ill cats, identifying feline infectious viruses and understanding how they spread, implementing quarantine protocols, and mastering the processes of taming and socialisation.
Many of our cats and kittens have been well socialised and are ready for adoption, thanks to the dedicated efforts of our volunteers, foster mums, and staff. Through these efforts, we have successfully found loving homes for many of our cats, and the joy of seeing them thrive in their new environments keeps us motivated. Our adoption events and online adoption processes have helped connect countless cats with families who can provide them with the care and love they deserve.
However, despite our efforts and the generosity of our donors, we are currently facing financial difficulties. The large number of cats in our care, especially those with lifelong illnesses who become permanent residents, combined with a poor economy, has made it challenging to make ends meet month-to-month.
Nonetheless, we remain steadfast in our commitment to helping these cats. Although donations are vital, they are not sufficient to cover our increasing needs. We continually strive to find ways to sustain our mission and provide the best care for our feline residents.
Events and outreach
Friends of Ferals hosts annual shelter events where supporters and potential adopters can interact with the cats and enjoy family-friendly activities. These events are not only a way to connect with our community but also a crucial method for raising funds.
In addition to attending our events, there are several ways you can help:
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In-kind donations: Items from our wish list are always appreciated and make a significant difference in the care we can provide.
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Volunteering: We have a large need for volunteers, not only at the shelter but also for administrative tasks like marketing, accounting, and legal support. If you are interested in volunteering, please get in touch with Tyla at Tyla@friendsofferals.org.za or call 083 535 6870.
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MySchool Card: Add us as a beneficiary on your MySchool card at no cost to you. This helps us receive some donations.
Our wish list:
Items can be dropped off at or delivered to Friends of Ferals shelter: Plot 49, R511, Hennops River, Centurion, 0200
FOOD
- Adult Pamper, Petleys, Cat Tuna/Pilchards in water or jelly.
- Adult/Kitten Whiskas or Pamper pouches
- Royal Canin Kitten Mousse
- Royal Canin Kitten Pouches
- Royal Canin Kitten Biscuits
Other dry food we are able to use:
- Montego Classic
- Monty and Me
- Whiskas
- Ultra Cat
- Iams
- Nutriphase
- Nutribyte
- Hills
CLEANING SUPPLIES
- Jik
- Pine Gel
- Clean Green
- F10
- Dish Washing Liquid
- Automatic Soap Powder/Liquid Hand Washing Powder
- Tea Towels
- Washing Sponges
- Dustpans and Brushes
- Scrubbing Brushes
- Utility Scrubbing Brushes (small head)
- Brooms and Small Sweeping Brushes to reach corners and small areas.
- Black Rubbish Bags
MEDICAL
- Felesine
- Moducare Capsules
- Revolution or Broadline Spot-on
- Laxapet
- Vaseline
- Cotton Wool
- Baby Sunscreen Lotion
- Disposable Medical Gloves
- Syringes (1ml, 2.5ml, and 5ml)
- Protexin
- Colostrum (Eco-Vet product)
- L-Lysine Capsules
- Vitamin E Liquid capsules
STATIONERY & SUCH
- Large Self Adhesive Labels (type used on school books)
- Permanent Markers Pens
- Cable Ties (small and medium)
- Drawing Pins
- Examination Pads
- Printing Paper
- Sealable Tupperware (various sizes)
EXTRAS
- Coffee
- Tea
- Long-life Milk
- Cremora
- Oros
- Manual Tin Openers
STRUCTURAL
- Fencing
- Walling Panels
- Gates
- Outdoor Lights
- Zozo Hut
- Garden Shed
If you have any questions or would like to find out about other drop-off points, please contact Charmaine at info@friendsofferals.org.za
Bank Details for donations:
First National Bank
Friends of Ferals
Cheque Account: 627 5435 9852
Branch code: 250 655
Reference: Happy Tails Article
Visitors are welcome at our shelter from Monday to Saturday, but please phone ahead to schedule your visit. Your support and involvement are vital in helping us grow and expand our cause.
We believe that every life matters and remain committed to our mission of protecting and caring for feral cats. To learn more about our work or to support us, email info@friendsofferals.org.za, visit our website at www.friendsofferals.org.za, or follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of these vulnerable animals and create a more compassionate society.
